Hollywood flair at the Vienna Opera Ball

This year’s Opera ball had a touch of Hollywood – thanks to the presence of stars like Hilary Swank, Mira Sorvino and Gina Lollobrigida. 5,150 guests experienced an exciting ball night 2013.

Dominique Meyer, director of the State Opera, chose his ensemble instead of a star singer from abroad to open the ball.

The highlights of the evening were the ballet of the State Opera and the popular singers Valentina Nafornita and Adam Plachetka. Peter Schneider conducted the orchestra because musical director Franz Welser-Möst had become ill.

As a tradition, the ball was opened by the debutants (144 dancing pairs this year) who were choreographed by the dancing school from Carinthia "Iris Huber". Having had problems in the rehearsals, the young dancers managed perfectly on the ball night.

The artists opened the ball for everyone else with the words "Alles Walzer". The first song is traditionally the famous musical piece from Johann Strauss "An der schönen blauen Donau".

The Opera ball attracts famous artists from all over the world. An investment company invited the US-Hollywood star Hilary Swank. She was seen in a transparent sequined dress in the trend colour "nude".

The English Star tenor Paul Potts surprised with his excellent German knowledge, but refused to dance. The eccentric German designer Harald Glööckler attracted the public’s attention with his costume and the pompous arrival in a carriage.

Building constructor and celebrity Richard Lugner had invited the star actresses Mira Sorvino and Gina Lollobrigida who apparently enjoyed the experience.

Famous sports(wo)men and politicians, such as the President of Austria and his wife, were seen amongst the guests.

Architect Michael Manzenreiter had designed a new bar in the area of the former stalls cloakroom. It was decorated with silhouettes of Mozart operas and framed with crystals by Svarovski.

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